Cosmetology Schools in North Dakota
Are you thinking about going to cosmetology school in North Dakota, but aren't sure where to start? You've come to the right place! Here, you can learn about cosmetology in ND, from going through a program or apprenticeship to getting your license, and from licensure renewal to the career's potential pay and job growth.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in North Dakota, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
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Josef's School of Hair, Skin & Body - Fargo – Accredited
Fargo, ND 58103
Josef's School of Hair, Skin & Body - Grand Forks – Accredited
Grand Forks, ND 58201
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
How to Become a Cosmetologist in North Dakota
To become a cosmetologist in North Dakota, you need to complete a cosmetology program or apprenticeship, pass exams, and apply for your license.
- Cosmetology School Hours:1500
- Renewal Years: 1
- Continuing Education Requirements: 0
- Median Cosmetologist Salary (2024): $33,870
- Projected Job Growth (2022 – 2032): 5%
What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in North Dakota
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in North Dakota
Cosmetology school in North Dakota runs for 1500 hours, and classes cover hair, skin, and nail services, as well as relevant science, law, business, and other topics. All approved cosmetology schools in ND must meet high standards, have a staff member who serves as a student advisor, and adhere to the state's curriculum requirements.
North Dakota's cosmetology school curriculum is very specific. All programs must include didactic (classroom-based) and practical (hands-on) hours for each subject, broken down as follows:
"Enrichment" can include taking additional time on specific topics or skills, learning new things, and engaging in educational activities such as field trips and guest speakers. The enrichment portions may be worth really digging into while finding the right cosmetology school for you.
You must maintain at least a 75% average in your classes and on the school's final exam to graduate and be allowed to take your licensure exams.
Can I Become a Cosmetologist in North Dakota Through an Apprenticeship?
North Dakota began allowing cosmetology apprenticeships in 2026. Because it's so new, things are a bit of a work in progress! You need to find a registered apprenticeship program, and those may be a bit hard to come by for the time being. The Board is currently creating guidance documents to help establishments get approved by the US Department of Labor.
All that said, if you want to get your license through a registered apprenticeship program, you need to be at least 16, undergo 2500 training hours, and pay a $15 apprenticeship fee. As with those who complete a traditional program, you need to study all cosmetology subjects and pass exams.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in North Dakota
North Dakota Cosmetology Exam
You need to pass a written and a practical cosmetology exam, as well as a North Dakota Laws, Rules, and Regulations test, as part of the licensure process. Like many states, North Dakota uses the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams for the written and practical tests.
Before registering for your tests, you must have graduated from cosmetology school or completed your cosmetology apprenticeship.
North Dakota Practical Cosmetology Exam
The Board administers the practical exam, which, as of 2026, happens three times per month (twice in December) and begins at 11:00 am each time. You need to go to the Board office in Bismarck to take this test, so keep your schedule and travel distance in mind when applying to take your test. Arriving early is recommended, as latecomers won't be allowed in. The test costs $25, and you also pay $50 for your license as part of this application.
You can't bring anything that's not directly related to the exam (e.g., your kit, government-issued photo ID, and letter allowing you to take the exam) into the testing space with you. This means no electronics, bags, hats, coats, or study materials (including handwritten notes). If you have a disability and need to bring something into the space with you, talk to the Board about how to request that accommodation.
The test is broken down into 10 sections:
- Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
- Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
- Haircutting: 35 minutes
- Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
- Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
- Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Product: 10 minutes
- Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
- Hair Color Retouch with Colored Simulated Product: 10 minutes
- Virgin Hair Relaxer (No Base) Application with Simulated, Colored Product: 15 minutes
- Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
Test scores are typically emailed out by the next business day. If you don't pass, you need to retake the whole test and pay a $25 fee.
North Dakota Cosmetology Written Exam
Instead of the Board, Prov administers the written test. You can take this test at an exam site in Devil's Lake, Grand Forks, or Bismarck, or you can go with remote testing. As with the practical test, you can't bring anyone or anything into the test with you—even if you're taking it remotely. Remote test takers need to meet several requirements, including having a well-lit space with appropriate technology (computer, webcam, etc.) and no distractions. Showing ID is still required.
The North Dakota cosmetology theory exam has 110 questions, 100 of which are scored. You have 90 minutes to complete the test, which breaks down into the following categories:
You need a 75% to pass the test. You can take it as many times as you like, but you must pay the exam fee each time.
The North Dakota Laws, Rules and Regulations test is also a computer-based exam taken through Prov.
North Dakota Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Are you moving to North Dakota and want to bring your cosmetology license with you? You might be able to transfer your license to the state via endorsement! To do this, your current state must send a letter of certification and a copy of its license requirements to the ND Board. You're responsible for providing details about any licenses you've ever held, proof of training, identification documents, and any other information the Board asks for. If your application is approved, you must pay a $105 endorsement fee and a $50 licensure fee, for a total of $155.
If you leave North Dakota and your new state requires proof of your ND license, you can submit a verification request and a $20 fee to the Board.
Active-duty military members, veterans, and spouses may not have to take the state tests if they have held a cosmetology license for at least the previous two years and submit an application along with any other required documentation. Spouses need to prove they're married to the military member and that their spouse is either stationed in ND or has been discharged within the last six months. Veterans must have been discharged within the last six months to get their exam-free license.
Cosmetology Specialties in North Dakota
The beauty industry isn't just cosmetology. There are tons of career fields and niches out there! North Dakota offers a variety of other beauty licenses, and you may be able to specialize in different areas with different kinds of training.
- Esthetician: 600 school hours/2000 apprenticeship hours
- Manicurist: 350 school hours/2000 apprenticeship hours
- Natural Hair Braiding: No formal training required
- Makeup Sales: No formal training required
North Dakota doesn't offer standalone makeup or hairdressing licenses. You need an esthetics or cosmetology license for makeup or a cosmetology license for hair.
Even if you don't require specialized training in something, you can always look for continuing education classes to help you hone your skills or learn new ones.
Cosmetology License Renewal in North Dakota
License renewal period
Continuing education required
The Board needs to receive your renewal application by December 31 of every year. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal comes with a small convenience fee, while the other options don't. No matter how you renew, you have to pay a $50 fee.
You don't need to complete any continuing education for your cosmetology license renewal. However, taking classes to improve your existing services or add new skills is always a good idea!
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in North Dakota
Median Cosmetology Pay in North Dakota